Fuel filler device

ABSTRACT

A fuel filler device for filling fuel into a vehicle tank, includes a filler pipe for receiving a fuel filler nozzle, which filler pipe can be connected with the vehicle tank. At least one pivotably mounted closing flap is arranged in the filler pipe. A spring element is provided, which biases the at least one closing flap into a closing position closing a passage through the filler pipe. The at least one closing flap is pivotable from the closing position into an opening position opening a passage through the filler pipe as a result of the fuel filler nozzle inserted into the filler pipe. At least one valve element forms at least one bypass to the at least one closing flap, and from a limit pressure difference, allows a passage of gas out of the filler pipe and/or into the filler pipe.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Phase of International ApplicationNumber PCT/US2013/070412 filed Nov. 15, 2013 and claims priority toGerman Application Number 10 2012 022 393.5 filed Nov. 16, 2012.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a fuel filler device for filling fuel into avehicle tank, comprising a filler pipe for receiving a fuel fillernozzle, which filler pipe can be connected with the vehicle tank,wherein at least one pivotably mounted closing flap is arranged in thefiller pipe, wherein a spring element is provided, which biases the atleast one closing flap into a closing position closing a passage throughthe filler pipe, wherein the at least one closing flap is pivotable fromits closing position into an opening position opening a passage throughthe filler pipe, by the fuel filler nozzle inserted into the fillerpipe.

BACKGROUND

For example in the case of what are known as capless fuel filler devices(capless fuel filler systems), for example two closing flaps arepivotably mounted in a filler pipe, one behind the other as viewed in aninsertion direction of a fuel filler nozzle. As a rule, the closingflaps are in each case biased by a spring element into a closed positionin which they close a passage through the filler pipe for fuel, forexample. When the fuel filler nozzle is inserted, it butts by way of itsfree end firstly against the first closing flap and pivots the lattercounter to the spring bias into an open position in which it allows thepassage of the fuel filler nozzle. Subsequently, the fuel filler nozzlebutts against the second closing flap and pushes the latter, too,counter to the spring bias into an open position in which this secondclosing flap also allows the passage of the fuel filler nozzle. Thevehicle tank can subsequently be filled with fuel via the fuel fillernozzle. After the tank filling process is complete, the fuel fillernozzle is pulled out of the filler pipe again, wherein said fuel fillernozzle initially passes out of the passage opening opened by the secondclosing flap. The second closing flap thereupon moves back into theclosed position on account of its spring bias. Subsequently, the fuelfiller nozzle is also pulled out of the passage opened by the firstclosing flap, and the first closing flap, too, moves back into itsclosed position on account of its spring bias. Fuel filler devices ofthis type are also known, which have only one pivotably mounted closingflap in the filler pipe.

As a rule, it is necessary to allow the fuel filler device to be aeratedor ventilated, in particular on the vehicle-tank side. Thus, pressuredifferences between the tank-side interior of the fuel filler device andthe exterior, facing the outer environment, of the fuel filler devicehave to be ensured. To this end, corresponding valves are requiredwhich, in the prior art, are integrated into the one or more closingflaps. In particular in the case of capless fuel filler devices, inwhich thus no outer cap that closes the filler pipe is provided, theclosing flaps provide a seal in their closing position with respect tothe passage of liquid and gas. The provision of valves for aeration andventilation is indispensable in such a case.

On account of the valves to be integrated, the closing flaps of theprior art have a complicated structure. Furthermore, in particular whena plurality of closing flaps are provided, it is necessary, in acomplicated manner, to equip each of the closure flaps with acorresponding valve. These are then arranged in series and have to becoordinated with one another in a complicated manner for suitableaeration and ventilation.

Proceeding from the explained prior art, the invention is based on theobject of providing a fuel filler device of the type mentioned at thebeginning, which allows reliable aeration and ventilation in astructurally simple and robust manner.

SUMMARY

The invention achieves the object by way of a fuel filler device forfilling fuel into a vehicle tank, comprising a filler pipe for receivinga fuel filler nozzle, which filler pipe can be connected with thevehicle tank, wherein at least one pivotably mounted closing flap isarranged in the filler pipe, wherein a spring element is provided, whichbiases the at least one closing flap into a closing position closing apassage through the filler pipe, wherein the at least one closing flapis pivotable from its closing position into an opening position openinga passage through the filler pipe, by the fuel filler nozzle insertedinto the filler pipe, wherein at least one valve element is provided inthe filler pipe, which valve element forms at least one bypass to the atleast one closing flap and, from a limit pressure difference, allows apassage of gas out of the filler pipe and/or into the filler pipe.

The fuel filler device according to the invention may be in particular acapless fuel filler device, i.e. no outer closing cap is provided inaddition to the closing flap or flaps arranged in the filler pipe. Thefuel filler device according to the invention has a very broad range ofapplication. It can be used in principle for capless filler systems,capped filler systems, filler heads, conventional fuel filler nozzleguides, systems with or without a misfueling inhibitor (MFI), fuelfiller devices that are capable of being serviced and fuel fillerdevices that are not capable of being serviced, etc. The fuel fillerdevice according to the invention can also be used in principle forfiller pipes made of plastics material or metal. The same applies forconventional funnel concepts.

According to the invention, at least one valve element is provided inthe filler pipe, which valve element forms at least one bypass to the atleast one closing flap. From a limit pressure difference, the valveelement allows aeration and/or ventilation of the fuel filler device. Inparticular the valve element opens for a passage of gas when a limitpressure difference between the interior space, facing the vehicle tank,of the filler pipe and the exterior space, facing the outer environment,of the filler pipe is achieved. The limit pressure difference can bepredetermined in a defined manner by appropriate selection andadjustment of the valve element. Such pressure equalization is requiredparticularly for vehicles which are fueled with gasoline.

According to the invention, the valve element forms a bypass to the atleast one closing flap or to the plurality of closing flaps. Thus, incontrast to the prior art, the valve does not have to be integrated intothe one or plurality of closing flaps. Rather, the valve can be locatedin the filler pipe in particular next to the closing flap or next to theclosing flaps. As a result, not only is the structure simplified, butalso only one valve is required for aerating and ventilating the vehicletank, even if more than one closing flap is provided in the filler pipe.This results in a simplification and a particularly robust structure.The closing flaps can be designed to be smaller and the installationspace for the entire system can be reduced in size. The aeration andventilation of the tank is reliably ensured by only one valve even inthe case of a fuel filler device having two or more closing flaps. Thenumber of components can be reduced and the coordination of the flowrates through the valve element is simpler. Thus, in particular when twoor more closing flaps are provided, it is not necessary to coordinatetwo or more series-connected valves with one another, as in the priorart. A plurality of valve elements and a plurality of bypasses to the atleast one closing flap can also be formed, for example in each case onefor equalizing an underpressure in the interior of the fuel fillerdevice and in each case one for equalizing an overpressure in theinterior of the fuel filler device.

The spring element that biases the at least one closing flap into theclosing position may be for example a spiral spring or leg spring. Inthe case of a plurality of closing flaps, all or only one or some of theclosing flaps can be biased in a corresponding manner.

According to a particularly practical configuration, at least one valveelement may be arranged in at least one valve holding section arrangedin the filler pipe. Preferably, the valve holding section is arranged atleast sectionally next to at least one closing flap, in particular nextto a plurality or all of the closing flaps. The valve element is thusarranged parallel to the closing flap or closing flaps in the axialdirection of the filler pipe. The valve holding section forms what isknown as a valve tower or valve dome. This results in a particularlysimple structure in order to realize the bypass according to theinvention by way of the valve element.

According to a further embodiment, at least one ring-shaped flange maybe provided on which the at least one closing flap abuts in its closingposition. The at least one closing flap may also be pivotably mounted onthe at least one ring-shaped flange. The pivot bearing may be providedfor example on a side of the filler pipe opposite the valve element. Inthis case, the valve holding section may have the at least onering-shaped flange. If a plurality of closing flaps are provided, aplurality of ring-shaped flanges may also be provided in a correspondingmanner.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one valve holdingsection may be formed in a pipe section which is inserted into thefiller pipe. The pipe section may also have the at least one ring-shapedflange. Furthermore, provision may also be made for the pipe section tobe formed in at least two parts, wherein the at least one valve holdingsection is formed on a first part of the pipe section, and a sealingmeans is provided between the first part, having the at least one valveholding section, of the pipe section and at least a second part of thepipe section. However, it is also possible for the pipe section to beformed in one part. The pipe section forms a module for a capless fuelfiller system which is introduced easily as a prefabricated assemblyinto the filler pipe and can be fastened therein, for example by way ofa welding process or crimping or locking by way of a metal element. Thefiller pipe may be configured in one or more parts. The valve holdingsection may be an integral part of the pipe section or be a separatecomponent fastened thereto. It is conceivable to attach the valveholding section both to an upper part and to a lower part of the pipesection or to the filler pipe itself. The valve holding section maylikewise be configured in one or more parts.

According to a further embodiment, a sealing means may be providedbetween the pipe section and the at least one ring-shaped flange. Also,the at least one closing flap may abut sealingly on the at least onering-shaped flange in its closing position. This ensures the sealingwhich is required in particular for capless filler systems. Aeration andventilation, for example in driving operation or when stationary, takeplace reliably via the valve element or valve elements. The sealing ofthe valve holding section is in principle conceivable by way of a sealwith respect to an upper part or to a lower part of the pipe section orwith respect to the filler pipe.

In principle, substantially any desired types of valves are conceivablefor the valve element according to the invention. Depending on the limitpressure difference, the valve can open in one or both directions, i.e.in a direction toward the vehicle tank and/or in a direction toward theenvironment of an automobile equipped with the fuel filler device. Forexample, the at least one valve element may comprise an overpressurevalve and/or an underpressure valve and/or a roll over valve and/or asafety valve. The valve may be a two-way valve or more than two-wayvalve. Furthermore, the at least one valve element may comprise anonreturn valve which may in particular be spring preloaded.

As already mentioned, at least one further pivotably mounted closingflap may be arranged in the filler pipe, wherein the closing flaps arearranged behind one another, as seen in the insertion direction of thefuel filler nozzle. A plurality of closing flaps, for example two ormore than two, are provided, as likewise already explained, for examplein the case of capless filler systems, i.e. when no outer covering capis provided for the filler pipe. If a plurality of closing flaps areprovided, the valve element forms a bypass to all of the closing flaps.Thus, once again, only one valve has to be provided for aeration andventilation. If a plurality of closing flaps are provided, it is alsopossible for a plurality of ring-shaped flanges configured according tothe invention to be provided, in particular on a pipe section. A closingflap may then abut sealingly on each of the ring-shaped flanges and/orbe pivotably mounted thereon. A further spring element may then beprovided which biases the at least one further closing flap into itsclosing position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail inthe following text with reference to figures, in which, schematically ineach case:

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a fuel filler device according to theinvention in a first operating state,

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the fuel filler device shown in FIG. 1in a second operating state, and

FIG. 3 shows spring elements biasing the flaps of the fuel fillerdevice, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless stated otherwise, the same reference signs are used to denoteidentical items in the figures. FIG. 1 shows a fuel filler deviceaccording to the invention for filling fuel into a vehicle tank (notshown) of an automobile in a first operating state. The fuel fillerdevice comprises a filler pipe 10 which may consist of plastics materialor metal. By way of its lower end (not shown in FIG. 1), the filler pipe10 is connected to a vehicle tank of an automobile. At its upper end inFIG. 1, an insertion section 12, which forms an insertion opening 14 fora fuel filler nozzle (not shown), is connected to the filler pipe 10.The fuel filler device according to the invention and shown in thefigures forms a capless fuel filler system, i.e. no outer cap forclosing the insertion opening 14 is provided. The fuel filler device hasa misfueling inhibitor which is shown very schematically in the figuresat the reference sign 15.

Inserted into the upper end of the filler pipe 10 is a pipe sectionwhich is constructed in a multipart manner in the example shown. It hasa lower section 16 and an upper section 17. At its upper end in FIG. 1,the upper section 17 of the pipe section has a flange 18, formedintegrally therewith, by way of which it rests on the upper end of thefiller pipe 10. The pipe section furthermore has, arranged one behindthe other as seen in the insertion direction of a fuel filler nozzle,i.e. from top to bottom in FIG. 1, a first ring-shaped flange 20extending from its inner wall and a second ring-shaped flange 22likewise extending from its inner wall. While the second ring-shapedflange 22 is formed integrally on the lower section 16 of the pipesection, the first ring-shaped flange 20 is formed integrally on theupper section 17 of the pipe section.

A first closing flap 24 is pivotably mounted via a pivot bearing 26 onthe first ring-shaped flange 20 on its underside facing away from theinsertion opening 14. In a corresponding manner, a second closing flap28 is pivotably mounted via a pivot bearing 30 on the second ring-shapedflange 22 on its underside facing away from the insertion opening 14.The closing flaps 24, 28 are biased into their closing position shown inFIG. 1 via spring elements 48 and 50 (shown in FIG. 3). In this closingposition, the closing flaps 24, 28 abut sealingly on the ring-shapedflange 20, 22 respectively assigned to them and close a passage throughthe ring-shaped flanges 20, 22. An intermediate space 31 is formedbetween the closing flaps 24, 28 in the closing position shown in FIG.1.

If a fuel filler nozzle is now introduced into the filler pipe 10 in amanner known per se, said fuel filler nozzle butts by way of its freeend first of all against the first closing flap 24 and subsequently thesecond closing flap 28 and can thus pass through the ring-shaped flanges20, 22. Subsequently, the fueling operation for the vehicle tank cantake place. As soon as this has been concluded, the fuel filler nozzleis pulled out of the filler pipe 10 again, wherein the closing flaps 28,24 move successively back into their closing position shown in FIG. 1 onaccount of their spring bias.

A part, forming a valve holding section 34, of the lower section 16 ofthe pipe section is sealed off from the upper section 17 of the pipesection via a sealing means, for example a sealing ring 32. The valveholding section 34 forms a valve tower or valve dome in which a valve36, forming a valve element, for aerating and ventilating the vehicletank is arranged. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the valve holding section 34with the valve 36 arranged therein forms a bypass to the passage,selectively opened or closed by the closing flaps 24, 28, for a fuelfiller nozzle. In particular, the valve holding section is arranged nextto the closing flaps 24, 28. The valve 36 has a valve body 38 which isbiased by a spring 40 into the closed position shown in FIG. 1, in whichthe valve body 38 abuts against a valve seat 42. The valve 36furthermore has, on its side facing the insertion opening 14, aprotective cover 44 which prevents the ingress of dust or othercontaminants. The valve 36 may be for example an overpressure valve orunderpressure valve which, in the present case, opens, from apredetermined limit pressure difference, in a direction from theinsertion opening 14 to the tank, i.e. from top to bottom in FIG. 1,and/or in a direction from the tank to the insertion opening, i.e. frombottom to top in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 shows a second operating state of the fuel filler deviceaccording to the invention. In this state, the valve 38 is in an openposition. In particular, the valve body 38 is in a position in which itis lifted off the valve seat 42 so that gas can flow through the valve36 outwardly for example from the interior 46, facing the vehicle tank,of the filler pipe 10 through the insertion opening 14. This is forexample the case when an overpressure with respect to the outerenvironment is prevailing in the interior 46. It is likewise possiblefor an underpressure, with respect to the outer environment, prevailingin the interior 46 to be equalized by the bypass valve 36 according tothe invention in that the valve 36 opens so that gas can flow into theinterior 46 from the outside through the insertion opening 14.

As a result of the arrangement of the valve 36 in the valve holdingsection 34 forming a bypass to the closing flaps 24, 28, even when twoclosing flaps 24, 28 are present, only one valve 36 is required foraerating and ventilating the vehicle tank. Furthermore, the structure issimplified, the installation space is reduced in size and pressureequalization control is simplified, since, unlike in the prior art, itis not necessary for a plurality of valves connected one behind anotherin series to be coordinated. As already mentioned, in principle any typeof valve is suitable as valve 36, for example overpressure valves,underpressure valves, roll over valves, safety valves, in particularnonreturn valves, etc.

1-11. (canceled)
 12. Fuel filler device for filling fuel into a vehicletank, the fuel filler device comprising: a filler pipe having aninsertion opening, the filler pipe being configured to receive a fuelfiller nozzle, the filler pipe also being configured to be connectedwith the vehicle tank; at least one flap positioned in the filler pipeconfigured to open and close a fuel passage through the filler pipe,wherein the fuel filler device is configured to bias the at least oneflap in the closed position, thus closing the passage through the fillerpipe; and at least one fluid communication bypass route around the atleast one flap, wherein the fuel filler device is configured to closeand/or open the at least one fluid communication bypass as a result of apressure difference.
 13. The fuel filler device of claim 12, wherein:the flap is a pivoting flap; and the fuel filler device includes avalve, wherein the valve is configured to close and/or open the at leastone fluid communication bypass as a result of the pressure difference.14. The fuel filler device according to claim 13, wherein in the fillerpipe there is at least one further mounted flap provided therein,wherein the flaps are provided one behind the other, as seen in theinsertion direction of the fuel filler nozzle.
 15. The fuel fillerdevice according to claim 12, wherein the valve is provided in at leastone valve holding section provided in the filler pipe.
 16. The fuelfiller device according to claim 14, wherein at least one ring-shapedflange is fixedly located in the filler pipe on which the at least oneflap abuts in its closing position.
 17. The fuel filler device accordingto claim 16, wherein the at least one flap is pivotably mounted on theat least one ring-shaped flange.
 18. The fuel filler device according toclaim 15, wherein the at least one valve holding section is provided ona pipe section which is inserted into the filler pipe.
 19. The fuelfiller device according to claim 18, wherein the pipe section iscomprised of at least two parts, wherein the at least one valve holdingsection is provided on a first part of the pipe section, and a seal isprovided between the first part of the pipe section, comprising the atleast one valve holding section, and at least a second part of the pipesection.
 20. The fuel filler device according to claim 13, wherein theat least one valve comprises, with respect to pressure downstream of thefiller pipe vis-à-vis fuel flow, at least an overpressure valve.
 21. Thefuel filler device according to claim 13, wherein: the at least onefluid communication bypass route is a permanent structural channelaround the at least one flap, the valve being separate from structure ofthe flap.
 22. The fuel filler device according to claim 13, wherein theat least one valve comprises, with respect to pressure downstream of thefiller pipe vis-à-vis fuel flow, at least an under pressure valve. 23.The fuel filler device according to claim 13, wherein: the valve isconfigured to open and close irrespective of a spatial location of theflap in the closed position.
 24. An assembly, comprising: a means forguiding fuel to a fuel tank; a means for closing the means for guidingfuel; and a means for alleviating a pressure difference between one sideof the means for closing the means for guiding an opposite side of themeans for closing the means for guiding.
 25. An assembly, comprising: afuel filler device for filling fuel into a vehicle tank, the fuel fillerdevice including: a first fluid conduit; and a second fluid conduit,wherein the first fluid conduit is closed by a flap; and the secondfluid conduct is closed by a valve separate from the flap.
 26. Theassembly of claim 25, wherein: the first fluid conduct is established bya filler pipe having an insertion opening, the filler pipe beingconfigured to receive a fuel filler nozzle, the filler pipe also beingconfigured to be connected with the vehicle tank; and the flap ispositioned in the filler pipe and is configured to open and close thefirst conduit through the filler pipe, wherein the fuel filler device isconfigured to bias the flap to the closed position.
 27. The assembly ofclaim 25, wherein: the first fluid conduit is coaxial with the secondfluid conduit.
 28. The assembly of claim 26, wherein: the flap islocated within the filler pipe and biased to a location within thefiller pipe by a single spring.
 29. The assembly of claim 25, wherein:the first fluid conduit is eccentric with the second fluid conduit. 30.The fuel filler device of claim 12, wherein: the at least one fluidcommunication bypass route around the at least one flap is the onlybypass route around the at least one flap.
 31. The assembly of claim 24,wherein: the assembly is configured such that the means for closing themeans for guiding and the means for alleviating the pressure differencefunction independently of the respective structure thereof.
 32. Theassembly of claim 24, wherein: the means for alleviating the pressuredifference is located to one side of the means for closing the means forguiding fuel.